RA Seat bolstering

[Argus Tuffed]

Hi guys,

I've just about given up on finding some EvoX Recaro seat with airbags so I've started fitting frames to the existing RA seats because standard they are like an EH bench seat in corners, lol.

I've finished the RH side bottom swab and will do the LH side on the weekend, then I'll fasten and stretch it all and get rid of a couple of wrinkles.
Have to work out how to bolster the top L&R swabs without interfering with the seat airbags.

Some pics attached.

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4798/dsc00176ev.jpg

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/6508/dsc00177j.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/5439/dsc00178ri.jpg

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/5240/dsc00179ls.jpg

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/2531/dsc00180l.jpg

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/4292/dsc00181go.jpg

Cheers,

Mal.

[bd-850]

great work,

just a few Qs.

Have you got foam between the Bar and the Leather?

Is there any laws about modding the seat and having the metal bar?

[Argus Tuffed]

Yes there's a sheet of foam to fill any voids.
When you pull the side down as if it was fastened there is no wrinkles.

I cut the channel by using a hot screwdriver but word of caution, use a mask as I believe the gas is not so good for you.

Legality, I haven't altered the integrity of the seat frame so anyone's guess.
Recaros and aftermarket seats have a similar frame so????

Cheers,

Mal.

[bd-850]

ok, cheers, again good work

[ClubspecCustomDesigns]

I'm working on my PMR seats to suit ralliart or vrx. I'll post some pics up of the finished product.

But nice work mate

[Argus Tuffed]

Thanks,

Post the pics and we'll compare notes, lol.
Ideas are always entertained.

Cheers,

Mal.

[bernardo]

Yeah very dissapointed .. In US the RA gets the recaro seat bucket as standard. Too bad in Australia its not included.

[Argus Tuffed]

NZ also get Recaros in the RA, how slack is that?

[El-Diablo]

Please do not add framing as a means of strengthening your seat bolsters.

Seats are an integral part of the safety systems in a vehicle. Seat bolsters are made of high density foam not tubular metal framing. The implications of the modification you are making could be devastating in a side impact.

Drilling or welding the seat rail will affect the structural integrity of the seat mount.

Altering bolsters is usually done by changing the foam through additional Pieces cut and glued to suit. If you want to do it I suggest speaking with a proper motor trimmer not attempting do it yourself.

I ran the seating department for one of the local manufacturers and cannot stress highly enough that this is not a safe or smart modification.

[Argus Tuffed]

I would disagree with your comments regarding seat integrity in this case and also the ramifications of a side impact.

Lift your seat cover and see exactly how feeble these seats are made, I would consider the addition of the tubing and the flat bar behind that seat portion can only enhance it rigidity.

In the event of a humongous side impact in a Lancer I don't think seats are going to be a concern frankly.

Most after market seats I have seen have similar tubing on the side swabs.

[El-Diablo]

I ran the seating department for ford in Australia and was involved in both design and assembly. I did not learn about cars and safety systems by reading forums and looking up things on the Internet.

Seats are not designed to be rigid in the bolsters as in the result of a side impact they are designed to offer partial protection.

Adding steel framing could result in serious leg injury in the event of a side impact.

Manufacturers engineer seats and any structural components are tested fir impact and durability as well as comfort.

It you are not prepared to take advice from someone with 15 years experience at a senior management level in automotive that's up to you.

You can get the result you want cheaply and easily without resorting to backyard engineering

[billy boy]

the other option i investigated to improve the seating was to take it to a motor trimmer and replace the soft foam with a much firmer foam, but i never got around to it